By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of State, Alh. Uba Maigari, and Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, have commended the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) for its proactive efforts in developing a strategic policy roadmap to actualize its mandate.
They made the remarks at the opening of a two-day policy retreat held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, organized by the NCDC in collaboration with SPRING.
Governor Sule, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, described the retreat as a timely and forward-looking initiative by the Commission’s Board and Management. He noted that bringing together experts and key stakeholders to discuss development ideas aligns with the agency’s mission to drive inclusive growth across the North Central region.
“The NCDC has taken the right step by consulting widely and engaging stakeholders to shape a clear development direction for the region,” the governor said.
He pledged continued collaboration with other state governors to support the Commission through strategic partnerships aimed at bridging the region’s development gaps.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, said the NCDC was setting a strong example for other regional commissions through its early and strategic planning efforts.
“The NCDC is setting the pace among its peers. Many other commissions are looking up to its initiatives for peer review,” he said.
Momoh urged the Commission to continue engaging stakeholders in crafting a practical and inclusive development plan aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized the importance of fairness, equity, and adherence to due process in executing its programmes.
Also speaking, Minister of State, Alh. Uba Maigari, commended the Commission for its early momentum since inauguration and urged it to prioritize key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, security, health, education, job creation, and environmental protection.
He expressed optimism that the policy roadmap, once completed, would provide a clear and actionable framework to prevent project duplication and wastage.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Development, Dr. Rose Ogbe, called on the Commission to remain people-centered in its policies and programmes, emphasizing that its ultimate responsibility is to improve citizens’ lives.
The Chairman of the NCDC Board, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, stated that the retreat was designed to gather contributions from stakeholders to enrich the final policy document. He noted that the Board and Management had been working in harmony to ensure a smooth take-off and sustainable operations.
The Managing Director/CEO of the NCDC, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, explained that hosting the retreat in partnership with SPRING was aimed at consolidating the progress made so far and strengthening institutional frameworks for development.
“The Commission has held several strategic meetings under the leadership of our Chairman, during which proactive decisions were made to establish structures and strategies for addressing regional challenges,” Dr. Tsenyil said.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Titus Zam, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NCDC, and his Deputy, Senator Jibrin Isa Ochoco, commended the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for robust policy engagement and institutional growth.
The Deputy Team Lead of SPRING, Priscillia Ankut, noted that the organization partnered with NCDC to help propel the socio-economic development of the North Central Zone.
During the retreat, papers were presented by resource persons on key topics, including:
– Socio-Economic and Cultural Profile of the North Central Region: Challenges and Opportunities
– Institutional Governance and Accountability for Development Commissions
– Draft Policy Roadmap of the NCDC.
